Thumbs down for Newcastle CCTV

Newcastle Council has voted down plans to install a closed circuit television network in the CBD.

Council officers recommended cameras be installed in up to five hotspots at a cost of around $100,000.

But Councillor Nuatali Nelmes said it should be the state government paying for CCTV, not the council.

She says there is no evidence the cameras reduce crime.

"There's a lot of literature that shows that it is good to identify, for police to use to identification of people involved in assault and also prosecuting them which is completely a police issue," she said.

"But it doesn't really show any reduction in harm just because there's CCTV cameras."

Newcastle Council voted to use the money set aside for the CCTV network on its alcohol management strategy instead.

Councillor Nelmes says the money can be better spent.

"That money is going to be used to implement our alcohol management strategy which includes safe walking paths and better lighting.

"It also includes development of a development control plan and for night-time activities, like positive night-time activities like small bars in the inner city."

You have no doubt been hearing a lot about the Paris Agreement and know that it pertains to climate change, but are too embarrassed at this stage to ask for an overall explanation of what it's all about.